Women Rev Up for Autosports Show

The Government Motorsport Unit (GMU) is teaming up with various motorsport bodies to fund a unique stand at next week’s Autosport International. ‘Women in Motorsport’ will exhibit with a combination of resources from: Formula Woman, British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC), Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) and the Motor Sports Association (MSA). The aim is to actively promote female involvement in motorsport and to assist women working within the industry.

Organisers are describing the stand as “a mecca for women already competing in motorsport or looking to do so in the future,” and say the new addition will be staffed by those best placed to help and advise the female motorsport fraternity.

Female motorsport celebrities are also expected to visit the stand during the show, including: Natasha Firman (winner of the inaugural Formula Woman Championship of 2004); Helen Bashford-Malkie (chair of the BWRDC and winner of ‘Britain’s Fastest Woman Racing Driver’ award) and Lyn St. James (former Indy 500 competitor).

Several prizes, including a day’s training with former BTCC champion Tim Harvey and a free entry for the BRSCC T-Cars Scholarship will also be on offer at the stand.

This year’s stand follows the success of the ‘Women in Motorsport’ forum held at last year’s Autosport International Show.

Helen Bashford-Malkie, chair of the British Women Racing Drivers Club said: “Thanks to the support of the GMU, MIA and MSA, the ‘Women in Motorsport’ movement continues to gather momentum. Having a stand at Autosport International will allow the BWRDC to offer valuable help and advice to women already involved in the sport and encourage others to join the fray – not to mention our club!”

Graeme Glew, founder and organiser of Formula Woman added: “Following last year’s very successful inaugural Championship, we have literally thousands of women looking to compete for a place in the next Formula Woman series. The stand will allow us to further promote the series, our new ‘Club Formula Woman’ and the cause of ‘Women in Motorsport’ generally.”